Heskey and Cuellar let go by Villa

Aston Villa have confirmed senior trio Emile Heskey, Carlos Cuellar and Brad Guzan have all been released.

The three players are now expected to seek new clubs and are all available on free transfers with Heskey linked with a return to first club Leicester among others, and former Rangers defender Cuellar reported to be keen on a move back to Scotland. Heskey, 34, has been at Villa Park for three years but failed to hold down a regular starting role during that time and the former England star could only manage nine league goals despite making over 100 appearances. However, he is expected to have plenty of clubs keen on him, especially in the Championship, with a move back to Leicester likely to appeal. Cuellar, meanwhile, leaves after five years and could go back to Scotland or his native Spain. Guzan, who has been at Villa for four years, was predominately used as a back-up keeper in the Cups as he played second fiddle to fellow USA ace Brad Friedel and Irish star Shay Given. Villa have also confirmed that youngsters Ebby Nelson Addy, Connor Taylor, Charlie Ward, Reece Caira, Richard Bryan, Matthew Coton, Darious Darkin and Seb Jenkins have also been released from the academy.